Arnie M. struggled with his weight his entire adult life. Before starting the South Beach Diet, he was a typical fad dieter. He would lose weight, but eventually his old eating habits would return — along with the extra pounds. Even though he was swimming a few days a week, it wasn't enough to keep the weight off. When a swimming partner told Arnie about the South Beach Diet, he decided to give it a try. After reading the book, he finally learned how to eat and think about food. But the real key to Arnie's success was figuring out how to adapt the South Beach Diet to his lifestyle. Arnie began his weight-loss journey at 320 pounds. Now, at 200 pounds and having lost 12 inches from his waist, Arnie knows not only that he has finally conquered his weight problem but that he will be able to maintain this success because, as he says, "I'm not on a diet." TERRIFIC TURNAROUND: "This was the first weight-loss plan I tried that actually taught me how to eat and think about food!" FAVORITE SNACK: "I can't get enough celery and hummus." FAVORITE EXERCISE: "I really enjoy swimming and walking." BEST COMPLIMENT: "The look of wide-eyed amazement on the face of someone who hasn't seen me in a while." MOST EFFECTIVE STRATEGY: "When there are known temptations approaching (such as a party), you have to plan ahead. For the unexpected temptations, I know that I can have a bite of something without going nuts." BEST ADVICE: "It's your program. Learn how to adapt the plan to suit you!"